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After a series of discussions and agreements between various indigenous parties and prospective
foreign investment corporations, isla Escudo has been removed from their considerations. The
development of a small up-scale high quality resort to be built within the precepts outlined below. This
eco-friendly locale will be located on approx 5 Ha of prime isla real estate with the owner's concession
of twenty years, renewable. The land owners shall work closely with the Investment Corporation to
ensure all aspects of the project shall not endanger the pristine ecological ambiance of this locale. This
will naturally include all the required governmental permits and licenses. An additional 5 Ha will be held
in reserve for possible future expansion, should it be deemed warranted. The initial program shall
commence with approximately 20 beds in several separate native-style quarters, a main facility and the
various walk-ways and trails for the clients, as well as the necessary support infrastructure. Project
budget estimates are in process, and expected to be in the $250-350,000 investment range. 05AUG06
foreign investment corporations, isla Escudo has been removed from their considerations. The
development of a small up-scale high quality resort to be built within the precepts outlined below. This
eco-friendly locale will be located on approx 5 Ha of prime isla real estate with the owner's concession
of twenty years, renewable. The land owners shall work closely with the Investment Corporation to
ensure all aspects of the project shall not endanger the pristine ecological ambiance of this locale. This
will naturally include all the required governmental permits and licenses. An additional 5 Ha will be held
in reserve for possible future expansion, should it be deemed warranted. The initial program shall
commence with approximately 20 beds in several separate native-style quarters, a main facility and the
various walk-ways and trails for the clients, as well as the necessary support infrastructure. Project
budget estimates are in process, and expected to be in the $250-350,000 investment range. 05AUG06
Interested parties desiring to participate in the investment opportunity should contact Louis N. Anciaux
for further information. A prospectus and outline of development plan should be available
approximately 1 June, 2006. Contact e-mail:
Louis@panamajetboatexplorer.com
Owing considerable interest in the actual acquisition of some/all the 26 Ha we have, it appears most are
more interested in out-right purchase. Currently, these are Right to Possess. Recently completed
survey and drawings are being modified for Titled Properties. However, this is not a known date at this
time. 6-10 Ha has been our considered amount to "sell". However, larger to full amount is negotiable.
for further information. A prospectus and outline of development plan should be available
approximately 1 June, 2006. Contact e-mail:
Louis@panamajetboatexplorer.com
Owing considerable interest in the actual acquisition of some/all the 26 Ha we have, it appears most are
more interested in out-right purchase. Currently, these are Right to Possess. Recently completed
survey and drawings are being modified for Titled Properties. However, this is not a known date at this
time. 6-10 Ha has been our considered amount to "sell". However, larger to full amount is negotiable.
Division of
SERVICIOS TURISTICOS INTERNACIONALES, S. A.
Apdto 97; David, Chiriqui; Rep. de Panama
FAX: 507-720-4054 or 774-2124 CEL: 507-612-7736
R.U.C. 1158-332-123-194-A - D.V. 93
15 May, 2005
Escudo de Veraguas Development Points
This White Paper is written in the interest of promoting proper conservation of the unique pristine island
group Escudo de Veraguas following discussions primarily with Candido Tugri representing the Ngöbe as
their Development Advisor, Cesar Mendez as their Legal Advisor, and the officers of this company. This
paper will be added to and modified in the coming months as additional work is accomplished in raising
the level of awareness to these issues.
Under the auspices of the Ngöbe, selected investors are sought to bring a controlled development of
portions of the island within the constraints specified. The investors will have a long term (25 year
renewable) concession for this development and the subsequent incomes derived from this
development. As this island is literally one that has been outside the normal paths of visitors, the pristine
and unique ecological environ is literally one of a kind. Retaining this uniqueness is of paramount
importance in any anticipated development. That the controlled access processes to Islas Galapagos of
Ecuador and Isla Coco of Costa Rica has enabled both nations to retain the unique environs these two
areas possess, while also enjoying a substantial tourism-based income to be derived from these visitors,
is an example of what truly can be accomplished and preserved.
Panama has more islands off its coasts than any other nation, and there are several truly unique locales
that likewise possess unique development opportunities. Several Islas have already been partially
developed (Perlas, Grande, Paridas, Secas and San Blas locales); but, in some instances, without serious
considerations of the real wealth of their pristine treasures. Isla Coiba is another truly unique jewel; but,
unfortunately the current direction seems to be directed at short term exploitation with little regard to its
true future potential. This leaves Escudo de Veraguas in a most unique and tender position of either
being exploited for short term gains; or, developed within the environ constraints of the island itself for
long term protected use while retaining its truly unique ecology and status. The Ngöbe have recognized
this unique treasure they have and their responsibility to retain it for generations to come. They have
made their mandate one of preserving this natural eco-reserve while constraining any developments to
likewise respect this pristine wilderness.
The primary desire of any business is the desire to bring their product to a market that will both serve the
customer’s needs while generating and income for the business shareholders and within the current
World-wide sensibility of protecting the environment, that is, not to create any negative impacts upon the
locale of the business, nor to any other entities within the realm of its operations. To this latter aspect,
most all astute individuals are keenly aware of ecological impacts of their business and/or operations
might cause if improperly handled.
The small group of islets making up this off-shore group known as Escudo de Veraguas, has had a
number of instances in its known post-Columbus history that have been remarkable events. One of the
earliest being the last resting landfall of Sir Francis Drake prior to his death and purported burial off
Portobello. That this group is situated off-shore sufficiently as to preclude easy access of nearby
inhabitants as well as from numerous would-be plunderers, has been to its advantage of remaining mostly
untouched. The ecological evolution of this small island group is marked by both its own unique speed of
evolution, as well as not having had significant impacts from the mainland species, which would
otherwise have tended to make the island’s flora and fauna more closely aligned to its own (mainland)
evolutionary processes. So close, yet far enough away to retain a most unique environment not readily
found elsewhere.
To develop this island into a desirable tourist destination, while very well conserving the existing ecology
is not a trivial task. Considerable planning and careful execution of these plans must be accomplished
within the framework of ensuring the pristine environment is retained. Renewable energy sources,
suitable potable water systems, environmentally friendly waste disposal systems, minimal impact housing
structures that blend within the island’s existing natural state, along with conservative harvesting of
natural resources (such as sea foods and native plants) for either human consumption or infrastructure
development – all must be considered as mandatory within the framework of this island’s development.
To this end, limited access, mostly assured by the island’s somewhat natural inaccessibility, and limited
overall development to retain the majority of the island in its current natural state are likewise mandatory
requirements.
One of the primary problems within the Ngöbe Comarca centers on the need for their people to engage in
viable income earning activities. For the most part, these have centered around the tradition indigenous
crafts, selective farming both of land and sea resources, and the seasonal labor intensive activities
mostly in the coffee producing areas. This last activity one has become a rather poor source of late,
owing the low World coffee prices currently seen and expected for some time to come. Tourism has been
very selectively introduced as a source of income in some regions of Panama. Panama has, via its
Government sponsored office IPAT, and some few other NGOs with political ties, been attempting some
improvement in its image within the World tourism communities. This effort has produced some
noteworthy improvements; but, at largely insignificant amounts as compared to the potential growth
possible with proper infrastructure development to support the considerable numbers of tourists
required to meet future demands.
To this last potential, the Ngöbe are aware of the need for potential investors to recoup their investments
as well as to earn reasonable incomes from their efforts. The potential impacts of these developments
are also considered within their framework of granting concessions. There is also a need to include
utilization of their populous as a component of the laborers required in the construction, maintenance
and operation of these facilities, as well as support labor for other activities. These fall into such
categories as limited farming of the required foods, tourism support in on-site activities and
transportation possibilities, as well as indigenous hand crafts that could be made available at selected
sites. These and more are components of what the Ngöbe desire to implement within the framework of
developing while protecting their great natural resource.
Background information on the authors include that we have been permanent residents in Boquete since
1994 and have been involved with both tourism and our own explorations of the Western waters of
Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts over the past decade. A native of David, Yari has worked within the
company at various times since her parents first started it more than 30 years ago. She was the president
of the Tourism Commission of the David Chamber of Commerce for two terms in 1995-96. Additionally, we
were both involved with tourism companies in Seward, AK for the 1999 and 2000 summer seasons. From
3/01-10/03 we were located at Lahaina, Maui, where Louis was GM and a captain of a sunset dinner
cruise/whale watch company. Louis’ first visit to Escudo was in 1998, when three of us ventured there
and around Peninsula Valiente including overnights at Bahia Tobobe. In the many trips we conducted
from Jan 1997 on, we have seen various problems around these waters – such as illegal foreign fishing
vessels, illegal taking of turtles, shark, improper lobster fishing as to size and females with eggs, the near
constant abuse of the waters with massive trash dumping in most areas visited, as well as many others
that often met with deaf ears when we attempted to bring it to attention of the “authorities”. We acquired
the water turbine or jet powered craft in 2003 and re-opened the company under the operating name (on
letterhead) as a tourism business taking small groups of tourists into the indigenous areas of Bocas del
Toro’s rivers, where they treated to glimpses into the past when Columbus first passed these waters
some 500 years ago. The flora, fauna and indigenous inhabitants little seen in such pristine locales is our
primary focus. To assist the economic input to these locales visited by bringing visitors who might
purchase their handicrafts, as well benefit from developing viable activities, including native meals and
dances, that would likewise contribute to their economy is the intent we have undertaken with creating
this unique tour. Escudo is likewise a component of what we would like to include, as well as to assist as
we may be able in the process of creating and refining the guidelines for investor development of this
island group, at whatever level may best suit this program.
Yariela E. Sanchez-Mendez de Anciaux
Presidenta
CAPT Louis N. Anciaux
Vice Presidente
SERVICIOS TURISTICOS INTERNACIONALES, S. A.
Apdto 97; David, Chiriqui; Rep. de Panama
FAX: 507-720-4054 or 774-2124 CEL: 507-612-7736
R.U.C. 1158-332-123-194-A - D.V. 93
15 May, 2005
Escudo de Veraguas Development Points
This White Paper is written in the interest of promoting proper conservation of the unique pristine island
group Escudo de Veraguas following discussions primarily with Candido Tugri representing the Ngöbe as
their Development Advisor, Cesar Mendez as their Legal Advisor, and the officers of this company. This
paper will be added to and modified in the coming months as additional work is accomplished in raising
the level of awareness to these issues.
Under the auspices of the Ngöbe, selected investors are sought to bring a controlled development of
portions of the island within the constraints specified. The investors will have a long term (25 year
renewable) concession for this development and the subsequent incomes derived from this
development. As this island is literally one that has been outside the normal paths of visitors, the pristine
and unique ecological environ is literally one of a kind. Retaining this uniqueness is of paramount
importance in any anticipated development. That the controlled access processes to Islas Galapagos of
Ecuador and Isla Coco of Costa Rica has enabled both nations to retain the unique environs these two
areas possess, while also enjoying a substantial tourism-based income to be derived from these visitors,
is an example of what truly can be accomplished and preserved.
Panama has more islands off its coasts than any other nation, and there are several truly unique locales
that likewise possess unique development opportunities. Several Islas have already been partially
developed (Perlas, Grande, Paridas, Secas and San Blas locales); but, in some instances, without serious
considerations of the real wealth of their pristine treasures. Isla Coiba is another truly unique jewel; but,
unfortunately the current direction seems to be directed at short term exploitation with little regard to its
true future potential. This leaves Escudo de Veraguas in a most unique and tender position of either
being exploited for short term gains; or, developed within the environ constraints of the island itself for
long term protected use while retaining its truly unique ecology and status. The Ngöbe have recognized
this unique treasure they have and their responsibility to retain it for generations to come. They have
made their mandate one of preserving this natural eco-reserve while constraining any developments to
likewise respect this pristine wilderness.
The primary desire of any business is the desire to bring their product to a market that will both serve the
customer’s needs while generating and income for the business shareholders and within the current
World-wide sensibility of protecting the environment, that is, not to create any negative impacts upon the
locale of the business, nor to any other entities within the realm of its operations. To this latter aspect,
most all astute individuals are keenly aware of ecological impacts of their business and/or operations
might cause if improperly handled.
The small group of islets making up this off-shore group known as Escudo de Veraguas, has had a
number of instances in its known post-Columbus history that have been remarkable events. One of the
earliest being the last resting landfall of Sir Francis Drake prior to his death and purported burial off
Portobello. That this group is situated off-shore sufficiently as to preclude easy access of nearby
inhabitants as well as from numerous would-be plunderers, has been to its advantage of remaining mostly
untouched. The ecological evolution of this small island group is marked by both its own unique speed of
evolution, as well as not having had significant impacts from the mainland species, which would
otherwise have tended to make the island’s flora and fauna more closely aligned to its own (mainland)
evolutionary processes. So close, yet far enough away to retain a most unique environment not readily
found elsewhere.
To develop this island into a desirable tourist destination, while very well conserving the existing ecology
is not a trivial task. Considerable planning and careful execution of these plans must be accomplished
within the framework of ensuring the pristine environment is retained. Renewable energy sources,
suitable potable water systems, environmentally friendly waste disposal systems, minimal impact housing
structures that blend within the island’s existing natural state, along with conservative harvesting of
natural resources (such as sea foods and native plants) for either human consumption or infrastructure
development – all must be considered as mandatory within the framework of this island’s development.
To this end, limited access, mostly assured by the island’s somewhat natural inaccessibility, and limited
overall development to retain the majority of the island in its current natural state are likewise mandatory
requirements.
One of the primary problems within the Ngöbe Comarca centers on the need for their people to engage in
viable income earning activities. For the most part, these have centered around the tradition indigenous
crafts, selective farming both of land and sea resources, and the seasonal labor intensive activities
mostly in the coffee producing areas. This last activity one has become a rather poor source of late,
owing the low World coffee prices currently seen and expected for some time to come. Tourism has been
very selectively introduced as a source of income in some regions of Panama. Panama has, via its
Government sponsored office IPAT, and some few other NGOs with political ties, been attempting some
improvement in its image within the World tourism communities. This effort has produced some
noteworthy improvements; but, at largely insignificant amounts as compared to the potential growth
possible with proper infrastructure development to support the considerable numbers of tourists
required to meet future demands.
To this last potential, the Ngöbe are aware of the need for potential investors to recoup their investments
as well as to earn reasonable incomes from their efforts. The potential impacts of these developments
are also considered within their framework of granting concessions. There is also a need to include
utilization of their populous as a component of the laborers required in the construction, maintenance
and operation of these facilities, as well as support labor for other activities. These fall into such
categories as limited farming of the required foods, tourism support in on-site activities and
transportation possibilities, as well as indigenous hand crafts that could be made available at selected
sites. These and more are components of what the Ngöbe desire to implement within the framework of
developing while protecting their great natural resource.
Background information on the authors include that we have been permanent residents in Boquete since
1994 and have been involved with both tourism and our own explorations of the Western waters of
Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts over the past decade. A native of David, Yari has worked within the
company at various times since her parents first started it more than 30 years ago. She was the president
of the Tourism Commission of the David Chamber of Commerce for two terms in 1995-96. Additionally, we
were both involved with tourism companies in Seward, AK for the 1999 and 2000 summer seasons. From
3/01-10/03 we were located at Lahaina, Maui, where Louis was GM and a captain of a sunset dinner
cruise/whale watch company. Louis’ first visit to Escudo was in 1998, when three of us ventured there
and around Peninsula Valiente including overnights at Bahia Tobobe. In the many trips we conducted
from Jan 1997 on, we have seen various problems around these waters – such as illegal foreign fishing
vessels, illegal taking of turtles, shark, improper lobster fishing as to size and females with eggs, the near
constant abuse of the waters with massive trash dumping in most areas visited, as well as many others
that often met with deaf ears when we attempted to bring it to attention of the “authorities”. We acquired
the water turbine or jet powered craft in 2003 and re-opened the company under the operating name (on
letterhead) as a tourism business taking small groups of tourists into the indigenous areas of Bocas del
Toro’s rivers, where they treated to glimpses into the past when Columbus first passed these waters
some 500 years ago. The flora, fauna and indigenous inhabitants little seen in such pristine locales is our
primary focus. To assist the economic input to these locales visited by bringing visitors who might
purchase their handicrafts, as well benefit from developing viable activities, including native meals and
dances, that would likewise contribute to their economy is the intent we have undertaken with creating
this unique tour. Escudo is likewise a component of what we would like to include, as well as to assist as
we may be able in the process of creating and refining the guidelines for investor development of this
island group, at whatever level may best suit this program.
Yariela E. Sanchez-Mendez de Anciaux
Presidenta
CAPT Louis N. Anciaux
Vice Presidente
Original Letter is scanned below
NEW INFO as of Nov 2004. We have legally acquired rights to
some 25 Ha of Escudo lands. Within this area, we shall initiate
plans for phase-developing an up-scale Eco-resort in keeping
with the precepts described above. A new corporation will be
formed with shares available for Investors interested in this
unique project.
some 25 Ha of Escudo lands. Within this area, we shall initiate
plans for phase-developing an up-scale Eco-resort in keeping
with the precepts described above. A new corporation will be
formed with shares available for Investors interested in this
unique project.
